Question

The next man will give you some further information. "The government [of Austria-Hungary] has a policy - a wise one - and sticks steadily to it. This policy is - tranquility: keep this hive of excitable nations as quiet as possible; encourage them to amuse themselves with things less inflammatory than politics." . . . . There is a censor of the press, and apparently he is always on duty and hard at work. . . . His company of assistants read every line in these papers, and mark everything which seems to have a dangerous look.

—"Stirring Times in Austria,"
Mark Twain, 1898

Which statement about Austria-Hungary is supported by information in the passage?

Austria-Hungary enjoys freedom of the press.
Austria-Hungary is concerned about ethnic unrest within its borders.
Austria-Hungary’s policies are unwise, according to the population.
Austria-Hungary encourages its population to think about politics.

Answer 1

Austria-Hungary is concerned about ethnic unrest within its borders.

Evidence: Twain calls it a "hive of excitable nations" and describes a strict press censor and a policy to keep those groups "as quiet as possible" and distract them from politics, indicating worry about unrest among different nationalities.